Your Ultimate Workplace Cleaning & Hygiene Checklist

A clean workplace isn’t just about appearances. It’s about safety, health, and compliance.

Dust, germs, and clutter can increase sickness rates, reduce productivity, and compromise your business reputation.

Whether you’re managing an office, warehouse, or public facility, consistent hygiene standards are key to maintaining a professional, safe, and compliant environment.

This guide gives managers a practical cleaning and hygiene checklist, plus the essential products your team needs to stay confident and compliant.

Why a Workplace Cleaning Checklist Matters

A structured cleaning checklist ensures your team can maintain high hygiene standards consistently.

Benefits include:

• Employee well-being - reduces absenteeism and illness spread
• Professional image - leaves a positive impression on clients and visitors
• Team accountability - clearly defined responsibilities prevent tasks from being missed
• Compliance and safety - meets HSE hygiene standards and COVID-19 legacy guidance

Take a look at our full range of cleaning & hygiene products to help keep your business spotless and compliant.

TOP TIP: Regular training and clear communication ensure every team member knows their cleaning responsibilities.

Daily Workplace Cleaning Tasks

Daily cleaning routines form the foundation of workplace hygiene.

Regular surface disinfection, waste removal, and sanitisation prevent bacteria build-up and maintain a professional workspace.

Here are the areas you should clean daily:

DESKS AND SHARED WORKSPACES

Keep personal and communal areas germ-free with daily surface cleaning.

Focus on:

• Emptying bins and replacing liners
• Sanitising shared equipment and handles
• Wiping desks, keyboards, and telephones with antibacterial wipes

Explore surface cleaners and disinfectants.

FLOORS AND CARPETS

Floors can harbour dirt and allergens that spread quickly in busy areas.

Include:

• Vacuuming and mopping high-traffic zones
• Using appropriate floor cleaners for wood, vinyl, or carpeted areas

Shop floor cleaning supplies.

TOILETS AND WASHROOMS

Washrooms are critical hygiene points that demand daily attention.

Ensure that:

• Air fresheners are replaced regularly
• Toilets, sinks, and handles are sanitised
• Soap dispensers, paper towels, and bins are restocked

Find washroom cleaning products.

KITCHENS AND BREAK ROOMS

Shared food areas can quickly become hygiene hotspots

Make sure that:

• Bins are emptied
• Surfaces are disinfected
• Microwaves, fridges, and sinks are cleaned
• Countertops and appliances are wiped down

Browse kitchen hygiene products.

Weekly and Monthly Deep Cleaning Tasks

Beyond daily cleaning, deep cleans keep hard-to-reach areas and shared spaces in top condition.

These tasks help to keep hard-to-reach areas dust-free, allergen-free, and hygienic.

WINDOWS AND GLASS SURFACES:

• Clean internal glass and partitions weekly
• Schedule external window cleaning monthly for visibility and hygiene
  
  

AIR VENTS AND FILTERS:

• Dust and sanitise vents and extractor fans
• Replace or clean filters to improve air quality and reduce allergies
  
  

UPHOLSTERY AND FILTERS:

• Disinfect and polish armrests and handles
• Vacuum or steam-clean chairs and soft furnishings
  
  

STORAGE AREAS:

• Declutter shelves and work cupboards
• Conduct monthly deep cleans to prevent dust and pests
  
  

TIME FOR A DEEP CLEAN?

Find everything you need in SMI’s cleaning & hygiene range.

Workplace Hygiene Best Practices

A strong cleaning routine relies on daily habits and the right tools.

Reinforcing hygiene through visibility, responsibility, and consistency keeps standards high year-round.

Train your team to:

• Store cleaning products safely and label chemicals clearly
• Use clear signage reminding staff to wash hands and sanitise
• Position hand sanitiser stations in entrances and high-traffic areas
• Take shared responsibility, with daily, weekly, and monthly tasks assigned to specific team members

Explore our range of signage and hand washing dispensers to help keep everyone on track.

TOP TIP: Rotate tasks between your team on a weekly basis to balance workload and maintain accountability.

Recommended Cleaning Products

At SMI, we offer a full range of commercial-grade cleaning products suitable for offices, warehouses, schools, and industrial settings.

Having the right products helps your team to clean faster and more effectively:

• Waste management – bins, liners, and refuse sacks
• Hand hygiene supplies – soaps, sanitisers, and dispensers
• Washroom products – toilet paper, air fresheners, and disinfectants
• Surface cleaners & disinfectants – to kill bacteria and leave surfaces spotless

Not sure what you need? Chat to our friendly team!

FAQs

Why is workplace hygiene important?

Good hygiene reduces sickness, improves morale, and ensures compliance with HSE health and safety standards.

What should be included in a workplace cleaning checklist?

Your checklist for cleaning workplaces should include:

• Waste removal
• Daily surface cleaning
• Sanitising shared areas

You also need to schedule deep cleans for windows, air vents, and furniture.

How often should workplaces be cleaned?

High-traffic areas should be cleaned daily, while deep cleaning tasks (like upholstery or vents) can be scheduled weekly or monthly, depending on use.

What products are essential for workplace hygiene?

Disinfectants, sanitisers, bathroom cleaners, and waste bags are key.

Find all your cleaning and hygiene essentials here at SMI. 

Where can I buy commercial cleaning products?

We stock all the cleaning products your workplace needs.

Get in touch with our team for more information!